The Bella Vista Police Department issued a warning on Friday after a senior resident was targeted by a phone scam that resulted in the loss of thousands of dollars. According to the department, a scammer called 911 dispatch and requested a welfare check, hoping the presence of police would intimidate the victim into paying a bogus fine.

How the scam unfolded

Officer Shelly Frederick explained that dispatch relayed the request, noting that the caller claimed the victim’s grandmother was being scammed over the phone for a large sum of money. Officers responded to the address, but upon arrival they found no immediate contact with the resident and grew suspicious of the welfare‑check request.

“At that point, officers were suspicious of this welfare check,” Frederick said. “The caller became frustrated, hung up, and later the actual victim called us from the neighboring home to report that she had been scammed out of money.”

Scammers use police intimidation

Investigators believe the fraudsters used the threat of police presence as a fear tactic. They likely told the victim something to the effect of, “We have officers on the way to make an arrest if you don’t pay this fine over the phone.” The scammers then instructed the senior to purchase specific gift cards—often Lowe’s or other retailer cards—and provide the card numbers as payment.

“What the scammers try to get you to do is they give you a specific dollar amount and a specific gift card,” Frederick said. “They may tell you to go to Lowe’s and purchase Lowe’s gift cards to pay a fine.”

Advice for residents

The department emphasized that anyone of any age can fall victim to such schemes. Officers recommend disconnecting the call, then calling the local police department to verify whether the request is legitimate. Speaking with a trusted family member or neighbor before sending money is also advised.

“If you’re able to disconnect the call, call your local police department. Verify whether or not this is a valid scam. That’s a good way to protect yourself,” Frederick said.

Community voices

Jana Anderson, a Bella Vista resident who was scammed in 2012, shared her experience to raise awareness. She described the panic of seeing her computer screen go black as scammers stole her bank information. Though she eventually recovered her funds, the incident left her embarrassed and reluctant to discuss it publicly.

“I didn’t tell anybody when I had that experience. It’s embarrassing,” Anderson said. “If you’re just sitting there afraid by yourself, you have no way to see if this is valid or true.”

Anderson now uses a phone setting that sends unknown callers straight to voicemail and encourages others to share their stories to combat the shame that often surrounds fraud.

Next steps and reporting

If you suspect you have been targeted, the Bella Vista Police Department urges you to report the incident immediately. Victims who have already sent money should contact their bank or credit‑card company to attempt a reversal, and anyone who disclosed a Social Security number should file a report at identitytheft.gov.

Law enforcement officials said criminal charges could be pursued if investigators are able to trace the perpetrators.

Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.